Seating



Nov. 15, 1966 CK ET AL SEATING 5 SheetsSheet 1 Filed April 12, 1965 0 w f H mm AA 4. N 5, 9 w m ATTORNEYS Nov. 15, 1966 F'iIed April 12, 1965 R. BECKMAN ET AL SEATING 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 P4 6 4INVENTOR5 ATTORNEYS Nov. 15 1966 R. BECKMAN ET 3,285,660

SEATING Filed April 12, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet s ATTORNEYS United States Patent This invention realtes to seating. More particularly, this invention relates to a seat which is uniquely adapted to stack one upon the other.

This invention is designed to provide inexpensive, yet durable seating and is in some ways an improvement over our patent No. 3,121,588 issued February 18, 1964. A primary object of this invention is to provide inexpensive,

yet durable seating which permits stacking both vertically and horizontally. That is to say, the chairs can be horizontally stacked when in their normal sitting position by pushing one into the back of the next. They can be vertically stacked by tipping the chair over and placing other chairs on top of it to create a vertical st-ack. This means that this chair can be economically shipped assembled. It should be noted that the chair of this invention is so simply constructed that it may be assembled after shipment with ease, permitting completely flat shipment. However, the chairs stack so well one into another that assembled shipping is entirely practical.

'A further object of the invention is the provision of such a chair which provides two heights for seating by simply turning it upside down. The stackability of these chairs, both vertically and horizontally, is possible regardless of which seat is up.

A further object of this invention is the provision of such a chair which provides limited spring and resilience which provides greater comfort, aids in the stacking described and protects the structure from impact loads.'

An additional object of the invention is to provide such a chair which includes a rigid beam at its maximum loaded hinge point.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of such a chair which may be fabricated from sheets of material, utilizing almost square stock. It has been found that the chair can be fabricated from sheets of vulcanized fiber with essentially no waste. Within the broadest aspects of the invention, the chair may be molded from a suit-able plastic. H

An additional object of this invention is the provision of such a chair which includes natural openings in the seat to provide ventilation.

Although the primary object of the seatingis extremely low cost, the blanks are adaptable to receive fabrics with foam backing bonded to the sheets of material before stamping, automatically upholstering the chair prior to erection and assembly. I

A still further object of the invention is the provision of such a chair which may be fabricated from. sheets of material, all folds in the blank folding downwardly and away from the punch so that the unit can be die-cut, punched and bent in one operation.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of such a chair which is extremely lightin weight, further facilitating economical shipment. r These and other objects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of blanks utilized in assembling an embodiment of the chair of this invention cut from a single sheet of stock; 1

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an additional blank utilized in conjunction with the blanks of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the blanks shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 folded to position for assembly;

FIG. 4 is a front. view of the chair assembled from the blanks shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the chair shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows the chairs of FIGS. 4 and 5 stacked one upon the other;

FIG. 7 is a front and side perspective view of another embodiment of the chair of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the chair shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the chair shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the rear side of the chair shown in FIG. 7 in the area of the hinge thereof; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane XIXI of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 12 shows the chairs of FIG. 7 in stacked position. Briefly, this invention relates to a chair characterized by including an upper and a lower sling-like portion, said portions facing in opposite directions and forming the support, sides and backs of a pair of seats, the portions spaced from one another and joined at their fronts. Another aspect of this invention relates to a chair formed from a first sheet of material characterized by having the interior thereof removed therefrom. The first sheet of material is folded into a generally channel shape to include a pair of upstanding sides and a top and a bottom of generally U-shape extending rearwardly from the sides. A second sheet of material, characterized by being folded into generally a U-shaped configuration, is positioned between the sides ofthe first sheet. The bight portion of the second sheet lies between the sides of the first sheet and the legs of the second sheet are secured to the top and bottom of the first sheet.

" Referring more specifically to the drawings, the reference numeral 1 designates an embodiment of a chair utilizing the teachings and principles of this invention (FIGS. 4 and 5). The chair 1 is assembled from the blanks shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The blank 2 is cut from a sheet of stock which is almost rectangular (FIG. 1). As has already been noted hereinbefore, it has been found that vulcanized fiber is an ideal material from which to fabricate, the chair 1. The top 3 and the bottom 4 of the blank 2 slope toward the middle, terminating at the middle with the respective flaps 5 and 6, joined by the respective fold lines 7 and 8. At the sides of the blank 2, fold 7 lines 9 and 10 define panels 11 and 12, respectively. Reference numerals 13, 14, 15 and 16 define areas where grommets, or like fastening means, are to be used in the assembly of the chair 1, a pair of these grommets positioned adjacent each of the fold lines 9 and 10 offset be tween the. top 3 and the bottom 4 of the blank. The interior I of the blank 2 is cut therefrom, forming flaps 17 and 18 at the interior sides and indentations 19 and 20 at the interior top and bottom. Reference numerals 21, 22, 23 and 24 define areas where grommets, or likev fastening means, are to be used in the assembly of the chair 1.

From the interior I of the blank 2, blanks 30 and 30a are formed. Referring first to the blank 30, fold lines 31 and 32 define flaps 33 and 34 on either side of the panel 35. Tabs 36 and, 37 extend outwardly from the panel 35 adjacent the fold line 31. Tabs 38 and 39 extend from the end of the flap 34 from the sides thereof. It should now be noted that the blank 30a includes like reference numerals with the suffix a for similar parts. All parts of the blanks 30 and 30a are similar except for the fact that the flap 34 is of greater length than the flap 34a, the purpose of which will be more fully explained hereinafter.

Blank 45 (FIG. 2) is used in association with the blanks I 2, 30 and 30a described hereinbefore in the assembly of the chair 1. It will be noted that the blank 45 is rectangular in configuration which means that no material is wasted as it is cut. Thus, it will be seen that very little material is wasted in the cutting of the blanks 2, 30, 30a and 45. Reference numerals 46, 47, 48 and 49 designate areas in which grommets or like fastening means are to be used in assembly of the chair 1.

Referring now to FIG. 3, assembly of the chair 1 will be described in detail. First of all, the blank 2 is folded into generally a channel shape as shown, the panels 11 and 12 folded to extend outwardly from the front side edges. Thus, it will be seen that a pair of upstanding sides are provided, braced by the flanges formed by the panels 11 and 12. The top 3 and the bottom 4 of the blank 2 thus positioned form generally U-shaped members extending rearwardly from the sides thus formed. The flaps 5 and 6 are folded rearwardly as shown and the flaps 17 and 18 are folded outwardly as shown. Next, the blanks 30 and 30a are folded. Looking first at the blank 30, tabs 36 and 37 are folded upwardly as is the flap 33. The fiap 34 is folded downwardly, causing the tabs 38 and 39 to project downwardly. Blank 30a is folded in a similar manner, except that the directions of extension of the various parts are reversed. It is significant to note again at this point that the flap 34 is of a length greater than the flap 34a. The ends of the blank 45 are pointed rearwardly as shown.

In actual assembly, the blanks 30 and 30a are moved between the sides formed by the folded blank 2, the blank 45 also being moved between these sides and between the blanks 30 and 30a, as best illustrated in FIG. 4. It will now be seen that grommets, or some similar fastening means, secures these panels together as follows. Areas 21 and 22 are secured to tabs 38a and 39a. Areas 23 and 24 are secured to tabs 38 and 39. Tabs 36 and 37 and 36a and 37a are positioned between the sides of the blank 2 and the edges of the blank 45. Areas 13 and 15 are secured to 36a and 37a respectively, both being respectively secured to areas 46 and 48. Areas 14 and 16 are secured to tabs 36 and 37 respectively, both being secured to areas 47 and 49. With these simple folding operations and attachments, the chair is completely assembled.

It will be noted that the blanks 30, 30a and 45 when secured together form generally a U-shaped member secured between the sides of the blank 2 as folded. Panels 35 and 35a each define a seating area, with respective sides and backs. The sloping of the top and botton of the blank 2 causes the chair to slope slightly rearwardly. Due to the fact that the areas 13, 14, 15 and 16 are closer to the top 3 than the bottom of the blank 2, chairs for different age groups of children have been provided. This is further accomplished due to the difference in length of the panels 34 and 34a of the blanks 30 and 30a. It will now will be noted that sling 51 is of a height greater than the sling 51a. The two slings are spaced from one another by means of a hinge portion 55, thickened as shown in FIG. 11. Flanges 56 extend outwardlly and back from each of the sides of the chair 50. As shown in FIG. 10, webbing 57 is added for strength at the sides of the chair 50, and a cross-bracing structure designated by the reference numeral 58 is added in the area joining the slings 51 and 51a together. Handles 59 and 59a are provided in the respective slings 51 and 51a.

It will be seen that this embodiment of the chair exhibits many of the objects and advantages noted with respect to the chair 1, the chair 50 being adapted to be molded from a suitable plastic in a single operation. The structure of this chair permits stacking in any manner as described hereinbefore (FIG. 12). Additionally, limited spring and resilience is provided for comfort, aid of stacking and protection of the structure from impact loads. A rigid beam is provided at the maximum loaded hinge points and maximum strength is provided at the sides supporting the user. Two heights are provided for seating, the structure being lightweight and low in cost. The stackability provides the many savings noted with respect to shipment.

It will be seen that the objects and advantages just noted with respect to the chair 50 are also inherent in the structure of chair 1. Additionally, chair 1 may be fabricated from sheets of material such as vulcanized fiber and its structure is so simple that assembly at the situs where it is to be used is possible, the cut blanks be seen that the objects and advantages specifically pointed 1 out hereinbefore are achieved in the structure disclosed.

It should be specifically pointed out that this chair is especially adapted to be stacked as described. Referring now to FIG. 6, the front of one chair slides into the back of another chair, being received thereby. This is true regardless of which seat is upstanding. This is an extremely important part of this invention as noted in the objects hereinbefore.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of a chair including certain of the objects and principles of this invention is designated by the reference numeral 50. Preferably, the chair 50 is molded from a suitable plastic,

its construction being such that it is ideally moldable in a single operation. The chair 50 is characterized by including upper and lower sling-like portions 51 and 51a. The portion 51 includes sides 52, a back 53 and a seat support 54. Sling-like portion 51a is similarly referenced then being shipped flat.

, While only certain embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it might be possible to practice the invention through the utilization of other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Such other embodiments are to be included as part of this invention unless the following claims specifically state otherwise.

We claim:

' 1. A chair formed from a first sheet of material characterized by having the interior removed therefrom and folded into a generally channel shape to include a pair of upstanding sides and a top and bottom of generally U-shape extending rearwardly from said sides and a second sheet of material characterized by being folded into generally a U-shaped configuration positioned between said sides of said first sheet, the bight portion of said second sheet lying between said sides of said first sheet and the legs of said second sheet secured to said top and bottom of said first sheet.

2. A chair as defined in claim 1, said bight portion of said second sheet spacing said legs of said second sheet from one another and the edges of said bight portion secured to said sides.

3. A chair as defined in claim 1 including a flange extending outwardly from the forward edge of each of said sides.

4. A chair as defined in claim 1, said bight portion offset between said top and bottom.

5. A chair as defined in claim 2, said bight portion offset between said top and bottom.

6. A chair as defined in claim 1, tabs extending from the ends of said legs and secured to said top and bottom.

7. A chair as defined in claim 1, tabs extending from the ends of said legs and secured to said top and bottom; and tabs extending from the sides of said legs and secured to said sides.

8. A chair as defined in claim 1, said second sheet including a pair of panels forming said legs struck from said interior of said first sheet.

9. A chair as defined in claim 8, one of said pair of panels being longer than the other.

10. A chair as defined in claim 8, said second sheet i c ud g a third panel forming said bight portion positioned between the forward edges of said pair of panels forming said legs, said legs and said third panel secured to each other and between said sides.

11. A chair as defined in claim 10, one of said pair of panels being longer than the other.

12. A chair as defined in claim 10 including a flange extending outwardly along the forward edge of each of said sides.

13. A chair as defined in claim 10, tabs extending from the ends of said legs and secured to said top and bottom; and tabs extending from the sides of said legs and secured to said sides.

14. A chair as defined in claim 13, one of said pair of panels being longer than the other.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 4/1932 Nebel 297-440 3/ 1951 Anderson 297440 7/1961 Pinkham 297-445 11/1963 Hoven et a1. 297-445 X 2/1964 Beckrnan et al 297-1 FOREIGN PATENTS 8/ 1960 Switzerland.

FRANK B. SHERRY, Primary Examiner.

CASMIR A. NUNBERG, Examiner. 

1. A CHAIR FORMED FROM A FIRST SHEET OF MATERIAL CHARACTERIZED FROM HAVING THE INTERIOR REMOVED THEREFROM AND FOLDED INTO A GENERALLY CHANNEL SHAPE TO INCLUDE A PAIR OF UPSTANDING SIDES AND A TOP AND BOTTOM OF GENERALLY U-SHAPE EXTENDING REARWARDLY FROM SAID SIDES AND A SECOND SHEET OF MATERIAL CHARACTERIZED BY BEING FOLDED INTO GENERALLY A U-SHAPED CONFIGURATION POSITIONED BETWEEN SAID SIDES OF SAID FIRST SHEET, THE BIGHT PORTION OF SAID SECOND SHEET LYING BETWEEN SAID SIDES OF SAID FIRST SHEET AND THE LEGS OF SAID SECOND SHEET SECURED TO SAID TOP AND BOTTOM OF SAID FIRST SHEET. 